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Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?

05 Apr 11 - 05:43 AM (#3128812)
Subject: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

Australia's oldest folk club, the Bush Music Club is counting down to it's 60th birthday.

extract from Bush Music Club Inc - History The club was founded in 1954 by a mob of mostly bush types that found the jobs had all moved to the city. They missed the friendly, informal social life they remembered from the country towns where they grew up.

They formed a band, which they called the Heathcote Bushwhackers, sang some of the old songs, and played such simple instruments as the squeezebox (button accordion) and whistle. As a group they became involved with the New Theatre, supplying the musical side of Dick Diamond's new Australian musical play Reedy River.

Musically inclined theatricals joined the band (now just called the Bushwhackers) and membership rose to seven. The band now played accordion, guitar, banjo, mouth organ, tin whistle and those distinctive home-made instruments; bush bass, bones and particularly the lagerphone - which the Bushwhackers first introduced to the public.

When more and more people wanted to join the band they decided to form a social, teaching club, founded at a meeting on 14th October 1954, and called the Bush Music Club in honour of the survival in bush areas of that style of self reliant entertainment and sociability that seemed so scarce in the "big smoke". More history on History pages

BMC photo website

We were wondering about other clubs around the world of a similar age - maybe we can celebrate together!

Tell us something about your long-lived club.

sandra (BMC secretary)

Ozcatters who are BMC members -
Bob Bolton (Vice Pres & editor)
Allen in Oz
Bodgie


05 Apr 11 - 01:37 PM (#3129162)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Herga Kitty

Ah, my folk club is a newbie then... coming up to 50 in a couple of years....

Kitty


05 Apr 11 - 03:55 PM (#3129252)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Bill D

Folklore Society Of Greater Washington 'only' 45½... but I think we are one of the largest.


05 Apr 11 - 06:44 PM (#3129410)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: henryclem

Swindon Folksingers Club : 50 years old, and with Ted & Ivy Poole still very much part of it, as they have been throughout its existence.

Henry


05 Apr 11 - 07:20 PM (#3129428)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Linda Kelly

We are a mere pup at 25 years


05 Apr 11 - 07:26 PM (#3129434)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Allen in Oz

Sandra

Many thanks for the post above

I was not aware of the name Heathcote Bushwhackers until now .

Who among the original members came from that area south of Sydney ?

See you at the Balmain Bush Dance in April

AD


06 Apr 11 - 03:53 AM (#3129632)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Splott Man

I believe the San Francisco Folk Music Club started in 1948, and Faith Petric has been the figurehead since 1962.

Splott Man


06 Apr 11 - 04:36 AM (#3129653)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

Allen

Merro lived at Heathcote & created the Heathcote Bushwhackers with Jack Barrie & Brian Loughlin to sing Australian songs for a social evening. By Dec 53 when the Bushwhackers appeared in 'Reedy River' Chris Kempster & Harry Kay were members. By the time the show finished cast members Cec Grivas, Alex Hood & Alan Scott had joined them.

John Meredith interviewed by Edgar Waters. Listen on-line

I won't be at Balmain this month.

see ya @ The National.

sandra


06 Apr 11 - 05:10 AM (#3129665)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

Linda - what's your club?

Herga Folk Club

Swindon Folk Singers Club founded 1960


06 Apr 11 - 05:41 AM (#3129696)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Mr Red

Somers Trad FC Worcester UK, Fridays has just celebrated 30 years. Gulp - I first went 27 years ago!

and how long has the Cutty Wren FC been going?


06 Apr 11 - 06:22 AM (#3129717)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

Mr Red - I joined a club for one of my hobbies in the late 70s & left in the mid 90s. I occasionally saw members at fairs, but was really surprised to see how OLD some of the members had become when I re-joined a few years back. A lot of the older members had become Honourary members (ie. had their 80th birthday) I, of course, hadn't changed a bit.

thanks for the links to Somers & Cutty Wren

Thanks to everyone who has provided info & links, I'm enjoying reading about your clubs.

sandra


06 Apr 11 - 06:58 AM (#3129734)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,Young Buchan Cookieless

It must be close on 20 years since I recall writing a parody of Horn of the Hunter ('It's forty long years we've been going./It's a hell of a time to survive.') for Stockton Club. So they surely must be pushing 60 now.
If Ron Angel, Dave and Pat Turner or Trev Lister are still going, they will know for sure.


06 Apr 11 - 07:06 AM (#3129738)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,Young Buchan Cookieless

Although on reflection maybe it was only their 30th!
Senility, thy name is Derek!


06 Apr 11 - 08:18 AM (#3129769)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

Stockton folk club founded 1962 - a very respectable 49 & a bit years.


06 Apr 11 - 04:42 PM (#3130076)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Waddon Pete

Sixty Years is a great achievement!

Croydon Folksong Club is coming up 44 years young this year....

www.croydonfolkclub.org.uk

Best wishes,

Peter


06 Apr 11 - 05:10 PM (#3130100)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,Joe G

Topic in Bradford, England- since 1956! I've been going off and on since 1982 when I moved here

http://www.topic-folk-club.org.uk/


06 Apr 11 - 06:33 PM (#3130138)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Herga Kitty

Joe - here's a blue clicky for your Topic link!

Kitty


06 Apr 11 - 07:25 PM (#3130166)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: The Sandman

STOCKTON FOLK CLUB
4th April         Dick Miles has probably been booked at Stockton more than any other artist: this is at least his 25th visit! We're not just rewarding persistence, Dick always provides a good night. He's an engaging singer, performing traditional material and his own songs in a laid back style to the accompaniment of the English concertina.

11th April         Donal Maguire – Drogheda born, now residing in Rossendale, Dónal is acclaimed as an unaccompanied singer of Irish traditional songs, but he is much more. His huge repertoire also includes some fine English songs and he brings fresh insight to contemporary material. He excels too on mandolin and guitar. If you missed him in 2006, make the effort to hear him this time around.

18th April         Singaround
25th April         Easter Monday - Singaround
2nd May         Bank Holiday - Singaround (The proposed hot spot from Anastice Dingle has been cancelled after the duo split up).
3rd May         First Tuesday: tune night Please ring to confirm date and venue before travelling!
9th May         Gordon Tyrrall is a fine singer and a terrific instrumentalist on guitar and flute. His repertoire ranges from the great traditional ballads to Jake Thackray, while he has some wonderful song settings of his own.
16th May         Singaround
23rd May         Tania Opland & Mike Freeman Welcome back to old friends whose diverse act is a world acoustic music festival in one night! Tania sings beautifully in several languages and plays a range of often unusual instruments while Mike accompanies on guitar and suitably multicultural percussion. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska and Manchester, they now split their time between Suquamish, Washington and Inistioge, Ireland, "because anyplace else would be too easy to spell".
30th May         Singaround
6th June         Jeff Warner
7th June         First Tuesday: tune night

13th June
        Singaround
20th June         John Connolly
27th June         Singaround



Listings for other clubs in the north east can be found in "Folk Roundabout", for sale at the club, or from the editor, Trevor Lister (see contact page).


06 Apr 11 - 07:46 PM (#3130182)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

blicky for Wadden Pete's Croydon Folk Club coming up 44 years young this year

Joe G's Topic in Bradford, England- since 1956!

San Francisco Folk Music Club - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954 - headed to 60
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - founded 1960 - 50 years old
Stockton folk club (UK) - founded 1962 - 50 next year
Herga (UK) - heading to 50 in a couple of years
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - founded 1967 - 44 in 2011
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - just celebrated 30 years


07 Apr 11 - 04:32 AM (#3130331)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954 - headed to 60
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956 - 55 in 2011
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - founded 1960 - 50 years old
Stockton folk club (UK) - founded 1962 - 50 next year
Herga (UK) - heading to 50 in a couple of years
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 'only' 45½ (1964)
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - founded 1967 - 44 in 2011
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- founded 1972 - 40 next year
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - just celebrated 30 years


07 Apr 11 - 05:25 AM (#3130349)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Waddon Pete

Thanks Sandra!

Best wishes,

Peter


07 Apr 11 - 10:56 AM (#3130529)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

this will be a bigger birthday than our 50th when we had a single day of celebrations. See 50th album on BMC photo website

This time we've started planning far enough ahead with a very enthusiastic subcommittee. We're planning activities/publications for each year & a number of activities in our 60th year.


07 Apr 11 - 02:00 PM (#3130683)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Tyke

But who is the Longest Serving Folk Club Organizer/MC?


08 Apr 11 - 04:15 AM (#3131117)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

henryclem posted above

Swindon Folksingers Club : 50 years old, and with Ted & Ivy Poole still very much part of it, as they have been throughout its existence.

splott man posted

I believe the San Francisco Folk Music Club started in 1948, and Faith Petric has been the figurehead since 1962.


08 Apr 11 - 03:02 PM (#3131474)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: henryclem

Just to clarify : Ted and Ivy are still very active participants but they handed over the running of Swindon Folksingers Club a few years ago. Eric Stott now hosts the club, and he too has been a member for a very long time ...

Henry


11 Apr 11 - 09:34 AM (#3133008)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

so maybe Faith Petric is the Longest Serving Folk Club Organizer/MC


11 Apr 11 - 10:30 AM (#3133040)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Jack Campin

Some time ago I was looking through old files of the Dalkeith Advertiser. There was a music club meeting in Newtongrange in the late 1870s on Thursday nights. The present Newtongrange Folk Club also meets on Thursday nights, and much of the repertoire is the same. The only real differences were that 130 years ago people submitted their set list to the local paper a couple of weeks in advance, and they used a piano.


11 Apr 11 - 11:59 AM (#3133080)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Bob Blake

Swindon Folksingers Club was 51 years old January 2011
see www.swindonfolk.org


11 Apr 11 - 09:25 PM (#3133402)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954 - headed to 60
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956 - 55 in 2011
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - founded Jan 1960 - 51 years old
Stockton folk club (UK) - founded 1962 - 50 next year
Herga (UK) - heading to 50 in a couple of years
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - founded 1967 - 44 in 2011
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- founded 1972 - 40 next year
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - just celebrated 30 years


Newtongrange Folk Club - spiritual descendent of Music Club active in the late 1870s!


12 Apr 11 - 04:35 AM (#3133536)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,Clive Pownceby

I wasn't going to blow our own trumpet here, as we're nowhere near 60 years old, but seeing as the template's been expanded a tad, let's hear it for Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) Began Liverpool, November 1964, (subsequently wound up in mid-'66) colonised Southport up the coast at end of April 1965 and this branch still operating on a weekly, successful basis. There we are then - 46 later this month. Pip, pip!


12 Apr 11 - 05:35 AM (#3133550)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

Bothy definitely belong on this list - any others 30 - 60ish?

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954 - headed to 60
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956 - 55 in 2011
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - founded Jan 1960 - 51 years old
Stockton folk club (UK) - founded 1962 - 50 next year
Herga (UK) - heading to 50 in a couple of years
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 46 later this month
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - founded 1967 - 44 in 2011
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- founded 1972 - 40 next year
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - just celebrated 30 years


Newtongrange Folk Club - spiritual descendent of Music Club active in the late 1870s!


12 Apr 11 - 09:33 AM (#3133668)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,George Henderson

Birtley run by the Elliott familywill be 50 yeas old in 2012


12 Apr 11 - 11:12 AM (#3133729)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,Elmore

The Folksong Society of Greater Boston began in 1959 and continues to be active and vibrant.


12 Apr 11 - 11:23 AM (#3133735)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

thanks for the info, George Henderson & Elmore

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954 - headed to 60
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956 - 55 in 2011
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston - 1959
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - founded Jan 1960 - 51 years old
Stockton folk club (UK) - founded 1962 - 50 next year
Birtley Folk Club - also founded 1962 - also 50 next year
Herga (UK) - heading to 50 in a couple of years
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 46 later this month
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - founded 1967 - 44 in 2011
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- founded 1972 - 40 next year
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - just celebrated 30 years


13 Apr 11 - 11:04 AM (#3134374)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST

The Black Diamond will be 48 next year and going from strength to strength.


13 Apr 11 - 12:36 PM (#3134436)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: MikeT

Not sure of the exact age, but we are pushing 50:

PSG


Mike


14 Apr 11 - 03:39 AM (#3134871)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954 - headed to 60
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956 - 55 in 2011
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston - 1959
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - founded Jan 1960 - 51 years old
Stockton folk club (UK) - founded 1962 - 50 next year
Birtley Folk Club - also founded 1962 - also 50 next year
Herga (UK) - heading to 50 in a couple of years
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (NY state) - pushing 50
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) 48 next year
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 46 later this month
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - founded 1967 - 44 in 2011
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- founded 1972 - 40 next year
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - just celebrated 30 years

Newtongrange Folk Club (UK) - spiritual descendent of Music Club active in the late 1870s!


18 Apr 11 - 11:00 PM (#3137885)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

oops, I forgot Australia's second oldest club, founded in 1959 as Victorian Bush Music Club, renamed Victorian Folk Music Club Inc in 1963

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954 - headed to 60
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956 - 55 in 2011
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - founded Jan 1960 - 51 years old
Stockton folk club (UK) - founded 1962 - 50 next year
Birtley Folk Club - also founded 1962 - also 50 next year
Herga (UK) - heading to 50 in a couple of years
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (NY state) - pushing 50
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) 48 next year
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 46 later this month
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - founded 1967 - 44 in 2011
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- founded 1972 - 40 next year
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - just celebrated 30 years

Newtongrange Folk Club (UK) - spiritual descendent of Music Club active in the late 1870s!


19 Apr 11 - 03:50 AM (#3138015)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Splott Man

Llantrisant Folk Club can claim a place in that list, just sneaking in near the bottom. Founded in September 1980.


19 Apr 11 - 04:15 AM (#3138032)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: severed-head

Islington Folk Club been going since 1972
Islington Folk Club
Regards
Garry


19 Apr 11 - 05:23 AM (#3138065)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: severed-head

Orpington Folk Club started in 1965
Orpington Folk Club
Garry


19 Apr 11 - 05:37 AM (#3138076)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

thanks for the info, Splott Man & Garry


San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954 - headed to 60
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956 - 55 in 2011
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - founded Jan 1960 - 51 years old
Stockton folk club (UK) - founded 1962 - 50 next year
Birtley Folk Club - founded 1962 - 50 next year
Herga (UK) - heading to 50 in a couple of years
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US - NY state) - pushing 50
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 48 next year
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 46 later this month
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - founded 1965
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - founded 1967 - 44 in 2011
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- founded 1972 - 40 next year
Islington Folk Club (UK) - founded 1972
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - just celebrated 30 years
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - founded 1980.

Newtongrange Folk Club (UK) - spiritual descendent of Music Club active in the late 1870s!


18 Jan 12 - 07:12 PM (#3292464)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

updated using info in this thread - Stockton Folk club is it 50 years?
http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=142693&messages=10



San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954 - headed to 60
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956 - 55 in 2011
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - founded Jan 1960 - 51 years old
Stockton folk club (UK) - founded 1962 - 50 next year
Birtley Folk Club - founded 1962 - 50 next year
Herga (UK) - heading to 50 in a couple of years
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US - NY state) - pushing 50
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) Started 1965,
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 48 next year
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 46 later this month
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - founded 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - founded 1967 - 44 in 2011
Durham City Folk Club - founded 1969
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- founded 1972 - 40 next year
Islington Folk Club (UK) - founded 1972
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - just celebrated 30 years
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - founded 1980.

Newtongrange Folk Club (UK) - spiritual descendent of Music Club active in the late 1870s!


19 Jan 12 - 02:10 PM (#3292942)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: ian1943

Durham City Folk Club started in 1969 and I have been there, man and boy. We are 43 in the autumn


20 Jan 12 - 08:14 AM (#3293290)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,kenny

Aberdeen Folk Club will be celebrating it's 50th anniversary in October this year.


20 Jan 12 - 08:32 AM (#3293293)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

thanks, Kenny


San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Stockton folk club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club - 1962
Birtley Folk Club - 1962
Herga (UK) - heading to 50 in a couple of years
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US - NY state) - pushing 50
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1965 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
Durham City Folk Club - 1969
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - 1981


Newtongrange Folk Club (UK) - spiritual descendent of Music Club active in the late 1870s!


20 Jan 12 - 02:54 PM (#3293514)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Ross Campbell

From the Blackpool Gazette, October, 2009:-

Fleetwood Folk Club is celebrating 40 successful years.

A few inaccuracies in there - and strangely no mention of Ron Baxter who ran the club after Dave Cooper's time, nor many of the "local singers" who shared the residency in that period. When Ron gave up running the club there was a gap of a couple of years before Mike and Dave as "Spitting on a Roast" restarted the club at the Mount, so the forty years sadly isn't an uninterrupted run.

As well as the other activities connected with the club, the various special shows and programmes for Fylde Folk Festival generated some excellent work in the form of drama/documentaries, songs and poems from Ron himself (a huge body of work, some of which I have begun to document in the Fleetwood & Fishing: Songs of the Trawling Trade thread), and some great songs and poems from Dave Pearce and Dick Gillingham.

The club carries on, currently at the Strawberry Gardens, Poulton Road, Fleetwood, FY7 6TF (http://www.fleetwood-folk.com/ ). Last year saw their contribution to Fleetwood's 175th Anniversary celebration earn two full-house nights at the North Euston Hotel.

Ross


20 Jan 12 - 04:35 PM (#3293581)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Ross Campbell

I arrived in the Fylde in 1971, and quickly made Blackpool Folk Club at the King's Arms, Blackpool my regular Tuesday night out. The following year saw the club celebrating its tenth anniversary, so 2012 would have been fifty years. Sadly, the club folded many years ago despite the best efforts of the late Pete Rodger and latterly Jim Smith. In its heyday (throughout the seventies) the club regularly saw 100+ crammed into the tiny function room, sometimes with scores more in the bar and the snug. The Taverners as residents set up a formidable atmosphere for national and international guests to perform in. A move to the Raikes Hotel brought more space for the audience and room for bands such as Five-Hand Reel to play the club. Not sure when audience numbers started to decline (Big Pete blamed this on the rise of folk festivals - might have had something there?), but moves to the George and again the King's Arms saw fewer guests and more singer's nights (formerly barely a once-a-year occasion), keeping a small core audience but failing to gain new visitors.
There's a clip from "Spin" magazine here (click)

There have been other long-running associations locally which may not qualify as "clubs" but deserve some recognition for tenacity.

Preston Folk Club had been going for some years at the Roebuck in Avenham, Preston by the time I discovered it in the early seventies. Run by Brian Preston (ne Dewhurst) with the Kalied Band as residents. After he turned professional, the club moved to various pubs around the town, the New Britannia was one, long spell at the Lamb, eventually ran for several years at the Unicorn when Hugh O'Donnell brought some great artists to the club - Andy Irvine, Steve Tilston & Maggie Boyle and many more. The club continues to run at the Moorbrook, Garstang Road on Friday nights as a music and song session (Always a pleasure to sing and play there, I should be there now! Running a headache all day is my excuse for not making the drive). Meeting in the snug allows perhaps a dozen people to enjoy some fine music and song. The core regulars are joined by a floating crowd of visitors who can always be relied on for a quality contribution.

The first club I sang at in the Fylde was the Penny Farthing in Kirkham. It was run by Ann & Eddie Green, who, apart from a couple of years out when their family was young, have been running folk events around the Fylde for more than forty years. The Penny Farthing was succeeded by the Folk Ring in association with Fred Kent, running combined song and dance events. Eddie's PA has supported many events in the area and further afield, from Fleetwood Folk Club's multi-media productions to many years of the Fylde Folk Festival. They ran a club at the George in Kirkham, and at the Swan across the road. A move to the Lane Ends in Wesham led to a long-running partnership between the Greens and Thwaites' managers Jonathan and Christine. The club followed Jonathan and Christine, first to the Hole-in-One in Lytham, and then to the newly re-furbished Clarence in Blackpool. Throughout those years they successfully built up a strong core audience and a large crowd of occasional visitors, enabling them to book the best of national and international artists despite operating a voluntary contribution system (the performance areas could not be separated from the open pub). Thwaites' decision to offer the Clarence for sale forced a search for another venue. Ann & Eddie now run concert events on a fortnightly basis (Wednesdays) at the Willows Catholic Club, Bryningfern Lane, Kirkham, Preston, Lancashire PR4 2BQ. Contact Ann Green 01772 673744. No website, but their diary dates can be found c/o the Bothy Folk Club's Diary page (thanks, Les!).

Ross


21 Jan 12 - 02:10 AM (#3293767)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

thanks Ross, for all the memories

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Stockton folk club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club - 1962
Birtley Folk Club - 1962
Fleetwood - 1962 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Herga (UK) - heading to 50 in a couple of years
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US - NY state) - pushing 50
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1965 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
Durham City Folk Club - 1969
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - 1981


21 Jan 12 - 10:33 AM (#3293911)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

and also thanks for the PM pointing out the typo

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Stockton folk club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club - 1962
Birtley Folk Club - 1962
Herga (UK) - heading to 50 in a couple of years
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US - NY state) - pushing 50
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1965 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
Durham City Folk Club - 1969
Fleetwood - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - 1981


21 Jan 12 - 10:45 AM (#3293917)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Vic Smith

The club that now meets at the Royal Oak in Lewes on Thursdays (http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~tinvic/ ) has been meeting every week (no gaps) since it started at the Lewes Arms about 70 yards from its present home in 1965 - so thats 47 years. Tina and I have been running it since 1969.


23 Jan 12 - 11:15 PM (#3295255)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

thanks, Vic & congratulations to you & Tina for your commitment!


San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Stockton folk club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club - 1962
Birtley Folk Club - 1962
Herga (UK) - heading to 50 in a couple of years
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US - NY state) - pushing 50
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1965 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
Durham City Folk Club - 1969
Fleetwood - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - 1981


24 Jan 12 - 04:20 AM (#3295311)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Alan Day

Vic I can remember you running a Folk Club at Preston Park Brighton and then in a pub near there for many years after.At the same time you were doing the Radio Folk programme from the room opposite the Brighton Pavillion, you should have got a medal years ago.
Al


24 Jan 12 - 04:34 AM (#3295317)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Herga Kitty

The Herga folk club will reach 50 next year, 2013!

Kitty


24 Jan 12 - 05:36 AM (#3295329)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

thanks, Kitty

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Stockton folk club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club - 1962
Birtley Folk Club - 1962
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US - NY state) - pushing 50
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1965 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
Durham City Folk Club - 1969
Fleetwood - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - 1981


24 Jan 12 - 07:06 AM (#3295352)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

forgot to say we are currently working on the extravaganza we will be producing at the National Folk Festival at Easter. It will include songs of the period (1954-64), tunes, dances (sometimes different to the ones we do today) & lots of photos & oral history & more!

Last night we sorted the format, now we need to do a bit more research, type it up, inform the performers, send it out, meet & discuss it 18th Feb, rehearse 24th March & present it at Easter! Easy! Our mentor does such shows each year using those of his friends who are on the program, normally with no rehearsal as they come from all over Australia, but it works for him & a good time is had by all. Next year & 2014 I'm sure we will be as comfortable as he is!

Description of our workshop in the program -

Celebrating the birth of Australian Bush Music with a concert that revisits history in the making.

Join the members of Australia's oldest (and possibly the world's second oldest) folk club, the Bush Music Club in a musical celebration of their roots.

In the lead up to the Bush Music Club's 60th Anniversary in 2014, we take you on a trip down memory lane to the days when the Australian folk song The Drovers Dream was on the top of the Hit Parade. It all began in 1952 when John Meredith and several friends (aka the Heathcote Bushwhackers) started performing the songs they remembered from their earlier years. In 1953 they joined the cast of 'Reedy River' and contributed to the great success of it's Sydney run. By 1954 The Bushwhackers were so popular that they founded the Bush Music Club to cater for all the aspiring "Bushwhackers", with the aim of re-popularising Australian folk songs and encouraging the composition of new songs contemporary in theme & traditional in style. Within a few years there were Bushwhacker-style bands across the country and Australian Bush Music was born.


24 Jan 12 - 08:03 AM (#3295384)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,old git

Grimsby Folk Club reaches 48 years of existence this Sunday.
geoff t


24 Jan 12 - 10:32 AM (#3295446)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: breezy

Which clubs meet on a weekly basis ?

and welcome visiting floor singers?

Herga was well attended last night for a singer's night with 15 singers

Wendy Harrowsmith will be appearing soon


24 Jan 12 - 10:33 AM (#3295448)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: breezy

long -living folk clubs !

'Lived' may imply they are no longer


25 Jan 12 - 03:13 AM (#3295878)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

thanks, oldgit

long-living it really is, breezy - there probably were older clubs around which haven't survived.

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Stockton folk club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club - 1962
Birtley Folk Club - 1962
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US - NY state) - pushing 50
Grimsby Folk Club - 1964
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1965 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
Durham City Folk Club - 1969
Fleetwood - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - 1981


25 Jan 12 - 07:14 AM (#3295930)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Nicholas Waller

@ breezy "Which clubs meet on a weekly basis? and welcome visiting floor singers?"

The Topic in Bradford (for which I do the website) has always met weekly, with no dark periods I can see from the records apart from the odd occasion such as when the club night falls on Christmas Day and New Year's Day (amounting to 40-50 occasions since 1956).

As well as regular singarounds (generally monthly and also all through August), floor singers are welcome on nights when paid guest acts are performing.

Our Past Gigs page lists dated gigs back to 1960! And there's an A-to-Z list of everyone who has performed, as well. Unfortunately, despite a couple of club legends, no evidence has emerged to indicate that either Bob Dylan or Paul Simon ever played at The Topic in the 1960s.

We like to call ourselves "The Oldest Folk Club In the World", though possibly the claim - as discussed on our History page - amounts only to being the oldest continuously-operating pub-based English-style weekly folk club (though at the moment we are technically not based at a pub but at Bradford's Irish Club - but there is draught beer, so that's OK).


25 Jan 12 - 07:22 AM (#3295931)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: The Sandman

breezy ,its wendy arrowsmith not harrowsmith


25 Jan 12 - 08:22 AM (#3295958)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

looks like Topic is the oldest known folk club in the UK, Nicholas!

We sometimes say the Bush Music Club is the oldest known folk club in the English-speaking world, tho there is one American-speaking club older than us!


28 Dec 15 - 02:07 AM (#3761227)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

see
UK's Oldest Folk Club thread on UK clubs


28 Dec 15 - 02:09 AM (#3761228)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

I;m not sure why I didn't keep updating this thread.

BMC had a very successful 60th Anniversary year in 2015 & I'll add links when I get home.

sandra (off to a singing session!)


28 Dec 15 - 03:50 AM (#3761243)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Joe Offer

I'm proud to belong to two of the oldest clubs - San Francisco (1948) and Washington DC (1964).


28 Dec 15 - 10:43 AM (#3761303)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

oops, Washington was not on the list of 25 Jan 12 - 03:13 AM

============

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Stockton folk club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club - 1962
Birtley Folk Club - 1962
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US - NY state) - pushing 50
Grimsby Folk Club - 1964
Washington DC - 1964
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1965 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
Durham City Folk Club - 1969
Fleetwood - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - 1981

==========

it is now!


28 Dec 15 - 04:13 PM (#3761385)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Harmonium Hero

Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) opened in Jan 1968, and to my knowledge, has been running ever since.
Geoff Bibby has been runnig clubs in Warrington since before I met him - around 1970, although I'm not sure if this has been continuous. Can anyone confirm?
Not sure how long the Kiveton Park club (Yorks) has been running. I remember playing there a couple of times with The Wakes in the mid/late '70s, and the club wasn't new then. They boast that they never close - even on Christmas Day.
John Kelly.


28 Dec 15 - 05:16 PM (#3761391)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,Peter

Croydon Folk Club celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2015 which pushes the formation date back by 2 years.


28 Dec 15 - 05:56 PM (#3761396)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Tattie Bogle

The oldest Folk Club in Scotland: Edinburgh University Folk Society took off in April 1958: they had a great celebration weekend in 2008!
And the original Dunfermline Folk Club started in 1961: another big commemorative weekend staged by the current Dunfermline Folk Club i October 2011. Sadly, one of the founder members and prolific songwriter, John Watt, died in hospital that very weekend


28 Dec 15 - 07:31 PM (#3761410)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

updated


San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Edinburgh University Folk Society - April 1958
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club - 1961
Stockton folk club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club - 1962
Birtley Folk Club - 1962
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US - NY state) - pushing 50
Grimsby Folk Club - 1964
Washington DC - 1964
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1965 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Durham City Folk Club - 1969
Fleetwood - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - 1981


28 Dec 15 - 09:18 PM (#3761420)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

updated with Tom Radford's info from UK's Oldest Folk Club thread


The Fo'c's'le in Southampton has been running since 1963; first organised by John Paddy Browne and John Edgar Mann.
It started at the old Bassett Hotel, an off shoot of the Balladeer Jazz club. It has had many venues and different organizers over the years, but still continues to flourish, now at the Richmond Inn, Portswood - nearly every Friday!!
I was involved as a resident singer way back in the early 1970's when it was at The Bay Tree - and I remember singing in the 10 year anniversary concert at the theatre at So'ton University - and forgot my words...........
Someone should write a history of this great club!!!

-------

I should correct my own error - The Balladeer was the original name for the club, and it was an off shoot of the Concorde Jazz Club at The Bassett on Burgess Road, Southampton, that started in 1957!!

==============

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Edinburgh University Folk Society - April 1958
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club - 1961
Stockton folk club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club - 1962
Birtley Folk Club - 1962
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le, (formerly Balladeer) Southampton - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US - NY state) - pushing 50
Grimsby Folk Club - 1964
Washington DC - 1964
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1965 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Durham City Folk Club - 1969
Fleetwood - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - 1981


28 Dec 15 - 10:44 PM (#3761428)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: RTim

Please note - the last post should be TIM Radford!!

To add another long running club that I now attend regularly:

The Woods Hole Folk Music Society started 5/27/1973 and is still in operation.

see: http://www.arts-cape.com/whfolkmusic/

There is even a list of all performers who have been at the club since the original days!!

Tim Radford


29 Dec 15 - 02:12 AM (#3761438)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

oops, sorry Tim


San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Edinburgh University Folk Society - April 1958
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club - 1961
Stockton folk club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club - 1962
Birtley Folk Club - 1962
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US - NY state) - pushing 50
Grimsby Folk Club - 1964
Washington DC - 1964
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1965 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Durham City Folk Club - 1969
Fleetwood - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society - 1973
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - 1981


29 Dec 15 - 08:24 PM (#3761621)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Jon Bartlett

I think we're the oldest in Canada: 17 July 1959

http://www.folksongsociety.org/
Jon Bartlett, Vancouver Folk Song Society Life Member


30 Dec 15 - 03:18 AM (#3761659)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

updated (once again), thanks, Jon. I like your website

sandra (Secretary & Life Member of Bush Music Club)

BMC website
BMC blog



San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton folk club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US - NY state) - pushing 50
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Washington DC (US) - 1964
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1965 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - 1981


04 Jan 16 - 05:56 PM (#3762911)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Splott Man

I first attended Dorking Folk Club in the late 60s.
It was at the Wheatsheaf PH in High St and run by members of the Orange Blossom Sound.
It moved to the Star & Garter Hotel near Dorking North Station, and was continued by Paddy O'Neill.
I subsequently moved away, but visited it regularly for a number of years.
There is still a Dorking Folk Club, now at Dorking Golf Club, and as far as I know it has been running without a break since those heady days in the late 60s.

Splott Man


04 Jan 16 - 07:34 PM (#3762928)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

thanks, Splott Man, list updated -


San Francisco Folk Music Club (US)- founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folksingers Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton folk club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US - NY state) - pushing 50
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Washington DC (US) - 1964
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1965 'only' 45½
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - late 60s
Calgary Folk Club (Can)- 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980
Somers Traditional Folk Club (UK) - 1981


23 Apr 20 - 10:45 AM (#4047853)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

list updated from posts on thread - Bush Music Club (Sydney, Australia)

Bush Music Club, Australia's oldest folk club & apparently the second oldest folk club in the English Speaking world


San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Herga (UK) - heading to 50 in a couple of years
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1965
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


26 Apr 20 - 10:03 AM (#4048620)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: treewind

I think Bacca Pipes Folk Club in Keighley, West Yorkshire should be in that list.
Started in 1967, and Jenny Scott has been running it for the last 45 years and still going strong.
Currently an online Zoom singaround session - we're not letting the pestilence stop us!


26 Apr 20 - 10:32 AM (#4048625)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

thanks, treewind, BACCApipes added to blog

list updated from posts on thread - Bush Music Club (Sydney, Australia)

Bush Music Club, Australia's oldest folk club & apparently the second oldest folk club in the English Speaking world
https://blog.bushmusic.org.au/2020/04/bush-music-club-australias-oldest-folk.htm


San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Herga (UK) - heading to 50 in a couple of years
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1965
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


26 Apr 20 - 05:53 PM (#4048740)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Richard Mellish

Just to clarify: the "heading to 50 in a couple of years" for Herga was what Kitty said in 2011.

Herga started in 1963. I wasn't there, but I know because on Herga's 30th birthday I took a friend there who had been born in 1963 and it was also her 30th birthday.

A few years ago Herga was fading and the stalwarts who had been running it latterly decided to wind it up, but only a few months later it restarted under new management. So it has now been running almost continuously for 57 years, including currently in virtual mode.


26 Apr 20 - 09:40 PM (#4048773)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

thanks, Richard.

oops, I forgot to update the entry from the original thread for the blog when I added the website which clearly says 1963.

blog has been updated

-----
so too this list

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1965
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


17 Jul 23 - 11:33 AM (#4177095)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

The Bush Music Club is now planning it's 70th Anniversary next year.

Applications are going in to festivals, song & tune books are being created ...

So how are the other long running clubs?

sandra (Life Member, Archivist, blogger)

Bush Music Club blog


17 Jul 23 - 12:43 PM (#4177103)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Vic Smith

On Chichester Folk Club it states:-
"Chichester Folk Song Club is exactly what it says on the tin: a centre of folk music, for over fifty years, in the fine city of Chichester. The club meets every week of the year at the excellent venue of The Chichester Inn."
Details on their Facebook page or at their website by clicking Here


17 Jul 23 - 04:02 PM (#4177120)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge

just seen this- no mention of the Marsden Inn club in South Shields- it started in late 1963 & I think is still going at a different venue


17 Jul 23 - 09:48 PM (#4177141)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

thanks, Vic & Jim

Chichester Folk Song Club - over 50 years -

Marsden Folk club - Folk Club takes place on the last Friday of every month at the Royal British Legion Club, Marsden - 1963

List updated with new clubs, but I haven't checked whether all clubs on my 2020 list are still going

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
Marsden Folk Club UK)- 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1965
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Chichester Folk Song Club - over 50 years (as of 2023)
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


18 Jul 23 - 06:46 AM (#4177154)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Rigby

Cambridge Folk Club was founded in 1964 and it still going strong, as far as I'm aware.


18 Jul 23 - 11:04 AM (#4177168)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

& it's still going strong - thanks, Rigby

Cambridge Folk Club

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
Marsden Folk Club UK)- 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Cambridge Folk Club - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1965
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Chichester Folk Song Club - over 50 years (as of 2023)
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


18 Jul 23 - 11:09 AM (#4177171)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Bill D

(FSGW) is getting close to 60 now.

FSGW.org


18 Jul 23 - 06:46 PM (#4177201)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

oops, I had them down as 1965 - was this a typo (me!) or did someone tell me a fib or a typo? All corrected now, thanks, Bill. They are certainly very busy - Over 200 events a year.

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
Marsden Folk Club UK)- 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Cambridge Folk Club - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1964
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Chichester Folk Song Club - over 50 years (as of 2023)
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


18 Jul 23 - 07:29 PM (#4177203)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: rosma

The Dragon Folk Club (Bristol, UK) celebrated it's fiftieth anniversary at the end of May 2019, so we are now 54.

blog report of 50th anniversary


18 Jul 23 - 10:18 PM (#4177206)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

thanks, rosma

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
Marsden Folk Club UK)- 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Cambridge Folk Club - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1964
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Dragon Folk Club (Bristol, UK) - 1969
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Chichester Folk Song Club - over 50 years (as of 2023)
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


19 Jul 23 - 01:18 AM (#4177209)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,Terry Free

When you are down our way do visit the Devonport Folk Club, fondly known as"The Bunker" in Auckland New Zealand, which meets every Monday night. Celebrates fifty-three years this and is considered by many the best folk club in the world.


19 Jul 23 - 06:30 AM (#4177224)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

thanks, Terry


San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
Marsden Folk Club UK)- 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Cambridge Folk Club - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1964
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Dragon Folk Club (Bristol, UK) - 1969
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Devonport Folk Club (NZ) aka The Bunker - 1970
Chichester Folk Song Club - over 50 years (as of 2023)
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


19 Jul 23 - 10:42 AM (#4177236)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,Tom Patterson

Someone will know for sure, but I think The Bridge ( Newcastle Upon Tyne)
has been running for a long time.


19 Jul 23 - 10:46 AM (#4177237)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,Tom Patterson

The Bridge appears to have opened in 1958.


20 Jul 23 - 05:35 PM (#4177307)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

Thanks, Tom

Bridge Folk Club Newcastle

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Bridge Folk Club Newcastle (UK) - 1958
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
Marsden Folk Club UK)- 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Cambridge Folk Club - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1964
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Dragon Folk Club (Bristol, UK) - 1969
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Devonport Folk Club (NZ) aka The Bunker - 1970
Chichester Folk Song Club - over 50 years (as of 2023)
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


25 Jul 23 - 03:43 AM (#4177620)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,RJM

LEIGH ON SEA Folk Club Home of Contemporary & Traditional Folk Music since 1970.
Great club, recommended, had a great gig here feb 2023


25 Jul 23 - 03:55 AM (#4177621)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,RJM

The Hoy at Anchor Folk Club


Home of Contemporary & Traditional Folk Music since 1970

The Estuary Club

1386 London Road, Leigh on Sea, Essex

There is ample parking to the rear via Canvey Road and wheelchair access via a ramp.

Hoy Diary Hoy Photos The Hoy Shanty Crew Hoy Singers Nights   Hoy Songs


As well as national & international artistes of great renown,
there is normally a chance for local performers
to show what they're worth especially on Open Nights.

You'll find traditional folk music and song along side contemporary music
but above all you'll find a warm welcome from the members and a great atmosphere.

For those aged 18 years and under admission is only £1 (Proof of Age required)

Steve Ramm looks after bookings of professional artistes
Contact Steve on steverammhoy@virginmedia.com or 07913 632956

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HoyatAnchor/


26 Jul 23 - 05:04 AM (#4177678)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST

me me me from RJM


26 Jul 23 - 06:39 AM (#4177684)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,RJM

It is a folk club that has existed since 1970 so it should be mentioned, I had an enjoyable gig, so why should i not mention it.


26 Jul 23 - 04:45 PM (#4177711)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,RJM

Maidenhead, 1965?


26 Jul 23 - 06:26 PM (#4177722)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

thanks

Hoy at Anchor since 1970

Open concerts & recitals - UK - Folk Clubs All Listings    Maidenhead, 1965? Maidenhead category - no folk club mentioned

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Bridge Folk Club Newcastle (UK) - 1958
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
Marsden Folk Club (UK)- 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Cambridge Folk Club - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1964
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Dragon Folk Club (Bristol, UK) - 1969
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Hoy at Anchor - 1970
Devonport Folk Club (NZ) aka The Bunker - 1970
Chichester Folk Song Club - over 50 years (as of 2023)
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


15 Jan 24 - 05:01 PM (#4195506)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: FreddyHeadey

^^ Maidenhead

idk if it is the same club over all the years,,,
Maidenhead Folk Club
weekly, Thursdays
singaround
https://facebook.com/maidenheadfolkclub/
January 2024
www.bluestring.co.uk/
(June 2023)

[2021 was @ New Inn]
[was www.maidenheadfolkclub.org n.a.]

____________________
Elizabeth House
Station Hill, Cookham, Maidenhead SL6 9BS
www.elizabethhousecookham.org
+44 1628 527621
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4KakXjhtTLDbjGxe8



Folk Club Map UK
- open in a browser; don't just click


17 Jan 24 - 12:31 PM (#4195623)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST

Montreal's "Yellow Door" has been around since 1966. Here's a 50th anniversary article:
https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/celebrity/montreal-folkie-institution-yellow-door-coffeehouse-turns-50


17 Jan 24 - 01:52 PM (#4195630)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,guest

The Vancouver Folk Song Society began in 1959 and still meets twice a month.


17 Jan 24 - 04:43 PM (#4195641)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

FreddyHeadey - I can't find any history on Maidenhead's FC website or anywhere else. The only reference to a date is a post above by RJM 26 Jul 23 - 04:45 PM - Maidenhead, 1965?   
I searched for "maidenhead 2015" & found an article about the Nettlebed Folk Song Club turning 40 that year, (it was started in July 1975 by a group of folk song lovers from Maidenhead when the tenant of a local public house moved to the Bull Inn at Nettlebed) so I've added it to the list.
...........

thanks & GUEST & guest

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Bridge Folk Club Newcastle (UK) - 1958
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - 1959
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
Marsden Folk Club (UK)- 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1964
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Cambridge Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Yellow Door, Montreal (Can) - 1966
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club (UK) - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Dragon Folk Club (Bristol, UK) - 1969
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Hoy at Anchor - 1970
Devonport Folk Club (NZ) aka The Bunker - 1970
Chichester Folk Song Club (UK) - over 50 years (as of 2023)
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Nettlebed Folk Song Club (UK) - 1975
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


17 Jan 24 - 05:25 PM (#4195649)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST

hi Sandra

Do you know of any events being planned by the BMC to celebrate the 70th anniversary this year? I guess there'll be something at the NFF.

cheers, Ian


18 Jan 24 - 02:18 AM (#4195688)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

we have plans! I'll post them on the blog - done! BMC turns 70 this year & we have plans!

As to the National, we have been refused even tho we are Australia's oldest folk club - the artistic directors are not traditional musos & ignored the mention of our 70th birthday. Our very successful Saplings music & song program for kids 8-18 - well, the very upset Coordinator was told there are other styes of music for the young people - the alternate group mentioned are Irish. (Wot! no Australian?)

Concertina Convergence, Bush Camp, Bush Orchestra have also been rejected, but Bush Traditions sessions are in - yah! some trad Oz music. The program is on its way & I look forward to reading it.

About NFF
2024 NFF artists


18 Jan 24 - 03:36 AM (#4195694)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: The Sandman

is longewvity important, how do the clubs compare to when they were started


18 Jan 24 - 03:58 AM (#4195697)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: G-Force

Maidenhead Folk Club has been running continuously since the early 1970's, though with several changes of both 'management' and venue. I believe there were other clubs there before that.


18 Jan 24 - 04:54 AM (#4195699)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

thanks, G-Force, & no doubt the history is hidden in dusty newspaper archives & tattered folk newsletters (those that survived) in attics & basements. Of course, snippets of memories are probably deep in the grey cells of some old folkies too!


San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Bridge Folk Club Newcastle (UK) - 1958
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - est. 1959 as Bush Music Club of Victoria
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
Marsden Folk Club (UK)- 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1964
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Cambridge Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Yellow Door, Montreal (Can) - 1966
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club (UK) - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Dragon Folk Club (Bristol, UK) - 1969
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Hoy at Anchor - 1970
Devonport Folk Club (NZ) aka The Bunker - 1970
Chichester Folk Song Club (UK) - over 50 years (as of 2023)
Maidenhead Folk Club - early 70s
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Nettlebed Folk Song Club (UK) - 1975
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


18 Jan 24 - 12:33 PM (#4195724)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,Lang Johnnie More

Out of genuine curiosity, how many of these clubs still exist, and how many have run continuously, uninterrupted since they started ?


19 Jan 24 - 01:19 PM (#4195797)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Rex

I don't see the Denver Folklore Center in this list. My friend Harry Tuft opened the DFC in 1962. He patterned it after the Folklore Center in New York created by Izzy Young. The DFC is still going strong but Harry has left Saul Rosenthal to hold the reins. Harry is following his first love of folk music which is performing and he's enjoying much more of that these days.

Denver Folklore Center


21 Jan 24 - 09:05 AM (#4195874)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

Lang Johnnie More - anytime I update the list I just add, & have never checked existing records, it would be a big job & I have too many other things I need to do.

Members of all clubs are most welcome to post updates.

Rex - thanks for your post


San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Bridge Folk Club Newcastle (UK) - 1958
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - est. 1959 as Bush Music Club of Victoria
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Denver Folklor Centre (US) -1962
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
Marsden Folk Club (UK) - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1964
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Cambridge Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Yellow Door, Montreal (Can) - 1966
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club (UK) - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Dragon Folk Club (Bristol, UK) - 1969
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Hoy at Anchor - 1970
Devonport Folk Club (NZ) aka The Bunker - 1970
Chichester Folk Song Club (UK) - over 50 years (as of 2023)
Maidenhead Folk Club - early 70s
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Nettlebed Folk Song Club (UK) - 1975
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


22 Jan 24 - 03:19 PM (#4195962)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Rex

Sandra, I thank you for starting this list and staying to it these many years. If I may, unless there is some formulae that must be followed,
the name of Harry's creation is, the "Denver Folklore Center". Not to put too fine a point on it.


22 Jan 24 - 03:45 PM (#4195964)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Helen

The history of Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club in NSW Australia.

As you can see from the article there is not a clear idea of how our local folk club started but the date is close to 60 years ago. One date mentioned is December 1964, so sixty years at the end of this year.

I first went to the club sometime around 1974 and was a member of the committee for a few years in the mid '80's, including being the Secretary and compiling the newsletter. I used to go regularly to the club nights and also the annual Newcastle Folk Festival, which is now defunct. I haven't been to any folk club events for about 20 or 30 years but I still play music every week with people I met through the club.


22 Jan 24 - 06:29 PM (#4195973)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Felipa

Phil Shapiro ran Bound for Glory, a radio programme with live performers in front of a live audience, from the coffee house in Willard Straight Hall of Cornell University from 1967-2020. Web sources indicate that while the radio programme continues, it is no longer run from a public venue. When I attended Bound for Glory in the 1970s, it felt more like a folk club than a radio production.


22 Jan 24 - 09:27 PM (#4195980)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

oops, it was just a very little typo!! (if I knew how to do fancy stuff in Mudcat I could have typed the word "little" in much smaller font as I can do in emails!)

Helen - I found a program for the Purple Parrot Folk Club in BMC Archives a few years ago & sent it to Bilbo. I'm still on the club mailing list even tho I haven't done BMC's What's on since the days BC. A couple of years ago I even went to a concert, I was prepared to catch the train, but friends were driving.

Felipa - definitely sounds like a folk club! One of our local community radio programs has guests in the studio each week, but the program shows a lot of tracks from other artists around their contributions.

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Bridge Folk Club Newcastle (UK) - 1958
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - est. 1959 as Bush Music Club of Victoria, name changed 1963
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Denver Folklore Centre (US) -1962
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
Marsden Folk Club (UK) - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1964
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Cambridge Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club - Dec 1964?
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Yellow Door, Montreal (Can) - 1966
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club (UK) - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Dragon Folk Club (Bristol, UK) - 1969
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Hoy at Anchor - 1970
Devonport Folk Club (NZ) aka The Bunker - 1970
Chichester Folk Song Club (UK) - over 50 years (as of 2023)
Maidenhead Folk Club - early 70s
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Nettlebed Folk Song Club (UK) - 1975
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


23 Jan 24 - 12:58 AM (#4195983)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Helen

Ah yes, Bilbo! I've known him for many years, and worked with him for 13 years in my last job. Good bloke and a hard worker for the folk scene, including the St Albans events.


23 Jan 24 - 07:56 AM (#4195993)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

I can't recall if I ever met him, but he certainly was/is a good bloke


23 Jan 24 - 02:11 PM (#4196012)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Helen

Is a good bloke. Still going.


23 Jan 24 - 03:39 PM (#4196017)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

just not newsletter editor!


23 Jan 24 - 04:18 PM (#4196020)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Helen

I'm not sure what he's involved with now. He was an organiser for many years for the St Albans festivals in April but I don't know whether he still does that. I saw him in August but only had a quick catch-up chat.


15 Mar 24 - 07:13 AM (#4199135)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: FreddyHeadey

Darlington Folk Workshop
",,,was started by Tony Foxworthy (English Folk Dance and Song Society's North East Area rep.) in 1964.

We were in the Golden Cock until 1967,
and the Boot & Shoe until 1971
when we moved to the Britannia Inn (aka The Brit)
and stayed there 50 years until August 2021;

,,,We have now relocated to the upstairs room at the Travellers Rest pub in Cockerton"


Tuesday evenings
weekly singaround; + gigs roughly once a month
https://facebook.com/groups/396766882280696/posts/792657226024991/

https://maps.app.goo.gl/eP1z6Xde4HY8WZKw7



not to be confused with
Darlington Folk Acoustic Club (aka Darlington Folk Club)
second & fourth Thursdays @ Copper Beech
gigs, open mic & singarounds
https://facebook.com/groups/1089590061057229
&
www.darlofolkacoustic.co.uk/about-us

idk when they started.


15 Mar 24 - 07:29 AM (#4199136)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

the list keeps growing!

thanks, Freddy


San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Bridge Folk Club Newcastle (UK) - 1958
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - est. 1959 as Bush Music Club of Victoria, name changed 1963
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Denver Folklore Centre (US) -1962
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
Marsden Folk Club (UK) - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Darlington Folk Workshop - 1964
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1964
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Cambridge Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club - Dec 1964?
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Yellow Door, Montreal (Can) - 1966
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club (UK) - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Dragon Folk Club (Bristol, UK) - 1969
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Hoy at Anchor - 1970
Devonport Folk Club (NZ) aka The Bunker - 1970
Chichester Folk Song Club (UK) - over 50 years (as of 2023)
Maidenhead Folk Club - early 70s
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Nettlebed Folk Song Club (UK) - 1975
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


15 Mar 24 - 09:19 AM (#4199140)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Bill D

Well, The FSGW (Folklore Society of Greater Washington) just happens to turn 60 this year! [In the early posts of this thread, I noted it at 45½]
Sadly, deaths, aging, moving, and COVID have diminished our activities, but so far, the Getaway survives and monthly programs go on...the Open Sing is now 'usually' online, but occasionally there is an in-person gathering.
   My own recent move will limit my own activities, but I've attended every Getaway since 1978.


15 Mar 24 - 09:53 AM (#4199141)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

The Bush Music Club is celebrating it's 70th this year & we have one founder still with us & 2 members who joined within the first year.


20 Mar 24 - 10:41 AM (#4199397)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: FreddyHeadey

Irvine Folk Club
"2016 was the 50th year of the Folk Club – which is the longest continuously running folk club in Scotland."
www.irvinefolkclub.org.uk/irvine-folk-club/


20 Mar 24 - 02:48 PM (#4199411)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,Gaffer

On the 22nd of March, Rhyl Folk Club will be holding its 60th birthday party. Details on www.rhylfolkclub.com
2 quid if you perform and 3 quid if you keep your mouth shut
7:30


21 Mar 24 - 04:58 AM (#4199432)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

thanks for the updates, Freddy & Gaffer

& just a reminder, I've not checked entries dating from the original list I started 10 years ago when the Bush Music Club was celebrating it's 60th birthday, so some clubs may no longer exist. Australia's Bush Music Club is celebrating it's 70th Anniversary in 2024

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Bridge Folk Club Newcastle (UK) - 1958
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - est. 1959 as Bush Music Club of Victoria, name changed 1963
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Denver Folklore Centre (US) -1962
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
Marsden Folk Club (UK) - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Rhyl Folk Club (Wales) 1964
Darlington Folk Workshop - 1964
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1964
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Cambridge Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club - Dec 1964?
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Yellow Door, Montreal (Can) - 1966
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club (UK) - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Dragon Folk Club (Bristol, UK) - 1969
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Hoy at Anchor - 1970
Devonport Folk Club (NZ) aka The Bunker - 1970
Chichester Folk Song Club (UK) - over 50 years (as of 2023)
Maidenhead Folk Club - early 70s
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Irvine Folk Club (Scotland) 1974
Nettlebed Folk Song Club (UK) - 1975
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


21 Mar 24 - 07:41 AM (#4199444)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: FreddyHeadey

Irvine ,,,

;) 2016 -50 = 1966 ;)


21 Mar 24 - 09:45 AM (#4199450)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

Irvine - eek!!

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Bridge Folk Club Newcastle (UK) - 1958
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - est. 1959 as Bush Music Club of Victoria, name changed 1963
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Denver Folklore Centre (US) -1962
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
Marsden Folk Club (UK) - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Rhyl Folk Club (Wales) 1964
Darlington Folk Workshop - 1964
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1964
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Cambridge Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club - Dec 1964?
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Irvine Folk Club (Scotland) 1966
Yellow Door, Montreal (Can) - 1966
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club (UK) - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Dragon Folk Club (Bristol, UK) - 1969
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Hoy at Anchor - 1970
Devonport Folk Club (NZ) aka The Bunker - 1970
Chichester Folk Song Club (UK) - over 50 years (as of 2023)
Maidenhead Folk Club - early 70s
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Nettlebed Folk Song Club (UK) - 1975
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


21 Mar 24 - 05:07 PM (#4199477)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: GUEST,Guest

Maybe someone has mentioned it, but the Vancouver Folk Song Society has run continuously, in several locations over the years, since 1959.


21 Mar 24 - 05:28 PM (#4199479)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

it's no. 6 on the list


04 Apr 24 - 07:53 AM (#4200383)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: FreddyHeadey

ref Margaret Meynell 2017
Manchester Folk Train Fans Page
"CROSS KEYS FOLK CLUB - Hailing from The Cross Keys Inn, Saddleworth, this folk club was founded in 1972 and continues to flourish today. Jim Schofield and members will enthral the audience with their variety and style of traditional and contemporary folk music to suit all tastes. "
www.facebook.com/groups/155326564543/posts/10155231115394544/

confirmed as still running by Pelican Babies, April 2024.
on Folk Clubs/Concerts/Festivals/Events North West Uk
"Popped over to the singaround at the Cross Keys in Uppermill last night and what a terrific night it was.
Lovely atmosphere with some great performers. Very friendly bunch too."   

https://facebook.com/groups/265484307718497/posts/1373018863631697


04 Apr 24 - 08:32 AM (#4200385)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Dave the Gnome

I thought I had mentioned Swinton Folk Club before but can't find it so I obviously didn't!

Running since the 70s and at the same venue and time since not long after that. Can't be sure of the exact dates though.


04 Apr 24 - 10:26 AM (#4200386)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

thanks, folks

Welcome to Swinton Folk Club, established 1972! - 2016 blog current website


San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Bridge Folk Club Newcastle (UK) - 1958
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - est. 1959 as Bush Music Club of Victoria, name changed 1963
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Denver Folklore Centre (US) -1962
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
Marsden Folk Club (UK) - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Rhyl Folk Club (Wales) 1964
Darlington Folk Workshop - 1964
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1964
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Cambridge Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club - Dec 1964?
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Yellow Door, Montreal (Can) - 1966
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club (UK) - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Dragon Folk Club (Bristol, UK) - 1969
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Hoy at Anchor - 1970
Devonport Folk Club (NZ) aka The Bunker - 1970
Chichester Folk Song Club (UK) - over 50 years (as of 2023)
Maidenhead Folk Club - early 70s
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Irvine Folk Club (Scotland) 1974
Nettlebed Folk Song Club (UK) - 1975
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


04 Apr 24 - 11:07 AM (#4200387)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Dave the Gnome

Thanks Sandra, much appreciated. The website can no longer be updated because our webmaster, Gary Wright, sadly passed away and no-one has access to it!

Anyhow, it confirms that the club did start as a guitar class at the White Lion in 1972. Over the next few years it changed day and location a few times finally finishing back at the White Lion in 1981 where it has been ever since. That makes it, allowing for 4 weeks a year off, over two and half thousand Monday nights at the same venue :-D


04 Apr 24 - 11:08 AM (#4200388)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Dave the Gnome

Sorry, over two thousand.


04 Apr 24 - 05:42 PM (#4200405)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

a tiny error in counting.

I wonder how many sites on the WWW are similarly locked, fortunately the blog I maintain Bush Music Club, est. 1954 & still going strong is also under the supervision of a very techy member, my Personal Help Desk!


06 Apr 24 - 06:20 AM (#4200498)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

I'm adding an Australian club I know well, the Monaro Folk Music Society which was established in 1971 according to a 1979 festival program I have. Their website doesn't have much history, just mentions in passing a book released on their undated 30th anniversary! I remember that book's release ...


San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Bridge Folk Club Newcastle (UK) - 1958
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - est. 1959 as Bush Music Club of Victoria, name changed 1963
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Denver Folklore Centre (US) -1962
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
Marsden Folk Club (UK) - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Rhyl Folk Club (Wales) 1964
Darlington Folk Workshop (UK) - 1964
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1964
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Cambridge Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club (Aus) - Dec 1964?
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Yellow Door, Montreal (Can) - 1966
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club (UK) - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Dragon Folk Club (Bristol, UK) - 1969
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Hoy at Anchor (UK) - 1970
Devonport Folk Club (NZ) aka The Bunker - 1970
Chichester Folk Song Club (UK) - over 50 years (as of 2023)
Maidenhead Folk Club (UK) - early 70s
Monaro Folk Music Society (Aus) - 1971
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - est 1971
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Irvine Folk Club (Scotland) 1974
Nettlebed Folk Song Club (UK) - 1975
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


06 Apr 24 - 10:46 AM (#4200507)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: FreddyHeadey

Sandra, ^^^^^^^ seven posts up, before it gets lost
Cross Keys Folk Club, Saddleworth (UK) - 1972
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=136900#4200383


07 Apr 24 - 04:06 AM (#4200557)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sandra in Sydney

eek, how did I mis it, thanks Freddy

San Francisco Folk Music Club (US) - founded 1948
Bush Music Club (Aus) - founded 1954
Topic in Bradford (UK) - founded 1956
Bridge Folk Club Newcastle (UK) - 1958
Edinburgh University Folk Society (UK) - April 1958
Vancouver Folk Song Society (Can) - July 1959
The Folksong Society of Greater Boston (US) - 1959
Victorian Folk Music Club (Aus) - est. 1959 as Bush Music Club of Victoria, name changed 1963
Swindon Folk Club (UK) - Jan 1960
Dunfermline Folk Club (UK) - 1961
Stockton Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Aberdeen Folk Club (UK) - 1962
Birtley Folk Club (UK) - 1962 & closed December 2014
Denver Folklore Centre (US) -1962
Herga (UK) - 1963
The Fo'c's'le (formerly Balladeer) Southampton (UK) - 1963
Marsden Folk Club (UK) - 1963
The Pick'n & Sing'n Gather'n (US) - 1960s
Rhyl Folk Club (Wales) 1964
Darlington Folk Workshop (UK) - 1964
Grimsby Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Folklore Society Of Greater Washington (US) - 1964
Black Diamond Folk Club, Birmingham (UK) - 1964
Cambridge Folk Club (UK) - 1964
Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club (Aus) - Dec 1964?
Southport's Bothy Folksong Club (UK) - 1965
Orpington Folk Club (UK) - 1965
Whitby (UK) - similar age to Orpington
Cutty Wren Folk Club, Redcar (UK) - 1965
Folk at the Royal Oak, Lewes (UK) - 1965
Yellow Door, Montreal (Can) - 1966
Croydon Folk Club (UK) - 1967
BACCApipes Folk Club (UK) - 1967
Frodsham Folk Club (Cheshire UK) - Jan 1968
Christchurch Folk Club (formerly Bank Peninsula Folk Club) (NZ) - est. Nov 1968
Central Australian Folk Society in Alice Springs (Aus) - est. 1968
Dragon Folk Club (Bristol, UK) - 1969
Durham City Folk Club (UK) - 1969
Fleetwood (UK) - 1969 (40 slightly interrupted years)
Hoy at Anchor (UK) - 1970
Devonport Folk Club (NZ) aka The Bunker - 1970
Chichester Folk Song Club (UK) - over 50 years (as of 2023)
Maidenhead Folk Club (UK) - early 70s
Monaro Folk Music Society (Aus) - 1971
Top End Folk Club (Aus) - 1971
Cross Keys Folk Club, Saddleworth (UK) - 1972
Calgary Folk Club (Can) - 1972
Islington Folk Club (UK) - 1972
Woods Hole Folk Music Society (US) - 1973 final concert May 2019, Society is still in existence
Irvine Folk Club (Scotland) 1974
Nettlebed Folk Song Club (UK) - 1975
Dorking Folk Club (UK) - 1976
Llantrisant Folk Club (UK) - 1980


07 Apr 24 - 01:01 PM (#4200574)
Subject: RE: Long-lived folk clubs? 60yrs?
From: Sol

Be a good idea to have a similar thread for 'the youngest folk club'. If nothing else, the exposure may help expand their membership nos.
Just a thought.